Official blog for the "Sikhs At War" film and research project, publishing articles and sharing our productions.

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Press Release: Story Of “Indians In The Trenches” Captured On Film For The First Time

Young actors
have been given a rare opportunity to dress up in British World War One
uniforms and re-enact the real life experiences of Sikhs who fought during the
conflict for a new film, being released on Friday 4th July 2014.

"Indians
in the Trenches" depicts the real life stories of those from the
subcontinent who left their villages in 1914 to fight in a faraway land for the
first time. The film uses the original letters sent from the trenches of
France and Flanders to delve into what the Indian soldiers felt and experienced
at different key points during the four-year war.

It's the
first time a Sikh re-enactment has taken place in Britain, and the first time
the original writings of those who fought have been enacted and captured on
film. Around 126,000 Sikhs fought during
the conflict in every arena of the war - from the western front to Mesopotamia;
and their contribution is all the more remarkable when considered that despite
being only 2% of the Indian population at the time they made up 20% of the
fighting force of the British Indian Army.

The letters contain
a strong belief of their faith and identity.
One Sikh soldier wrote “It was my very good fortune to be engaged in this
war. We shall never get such another
chance to exalt the name of race, country, ancestors, parents, village and
brothers.” while another Sikh remarked “We are fortunate men to have been able to
join in this great war. We will do our
best to uphold the family traditions and the reputation of our tribe.”

But the
experience for the Indians was also very harrowing as they faced the harsh
realities of the conflict during the winter of 1914 without proper warm
kit. One Sikh soldier remarked “The guns
fire all day like the thunder in Sawan.
The heaven and earth are undistinguishable and at night there is a
regular Diwali festival.”

Speaking
about the film, director Jay Singh-Sohal said: "This has been a fantastic way
of highlighting the Indian contribution during the war through real life
letters and experiences. The Sikh story itself is inspiring because of
the overwhelming contribution this small community made to the war effort, and
this is reflected in that a quarter of Indian gallantry awards were given to
this martial race. It’s something people
today should not forget."

This was the
first role for aspiring young actor Pavandeep Singh Sandhu (pictured top),
who plays the role of cavalrymen Bhaga Singh says: "It’s been a really
exciting opportunity to portray this role, especially as Sikhs made such a
dramatic impact during the course of the war.
It makes me feel proud that our forefathers made this sacrifice. To delve into the psyche of the soldiers
enabled me to appreciate what they went through – and be inspired by it.”

The film is being
released on the online film site www.sikhsatwar.info
and broadcast on British television as part of efforts to raise awareness during
the centenary commemorations of World War One.

The team will
then be working alongside members of the Armed Forces to create a national
memorial to remember the sacrifices of Sikh soldiers.